Corporate Executives Shan Cooper and Jack Sawyer were officially announced last week as the honorary co-chairs of the 32nd Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball. The formal affair, UNCF’s signature fundraising gala and premier social event of the holiday season, will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015, 6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta.
“We are delighted to have two of Atlanta’s most respected corporate leaders to join Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed as honorary co-chairs of our annual fundraiser. Jack Sawyer and Shan Cooper have raised the bar in establishing a goal of $2 million to support our 37 UNCF member colleges and universities, four of which are right here in Atlanta, said Justine Boyd, UNCF Regional Development Director.
“We need leaders and innovators with vision to develop the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges and to be the pioneers who will define that future,” said Shan Cooper, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company vice president and Marietta general manager. “No one disputes the technological innovation and economic development in every part of society comes from a solid educational foundation. The UNCF helps lay that foundation. The funds raised at the Mayor’s Masked Ball are a critical component in building tomorrow’s leaders. I’m thrilled to be an honorary co-chair this year.”
“I am deeply humbled to be participating as Honorary Co-chair, with the wonderful Shan Cooper, of this year’s Mayor’s Masked Ball. The work of UNCF is essential. No institutions have played a bigger role in preparing generations for economic, social and civil advancement than historically black colleges and universities. Wilmington Trust knows how important UNCF is to our communities, and we are honored to support such a valuable nonprofit, said Jack Sawyer, President Southeast Region Wealth Advisory Group, Wilmington Trust. “I am pleased that the annual Mayor’s Masked Ball will once again help fund the education of thousands of deserving students matriculating at the Atlanta University Center,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The UNCF has helped millions of students achieve their educational goals for seven decades and I can’t think of a better way to assist in that than with this truly memorable event.”
Started 32 years ago by former Mayor Andrew Young and Billye S. Aaron, the Ball is hosted by the city’s current Mayor and is largely supported by local corporate and civic entities. A much anticipated holiday event that raises unrestricted dollars for UNCF’s support for local students, the Ball attracts a diverse array of attendees from across the metropolitan area, including local celebrities, dignitaries, civic and elected officials.
Ball highlights include The VIP Masked Award Reception, Silent Holiday Auction, Red Carpet Parade of Stars and Dignitaries, Elegant Dining, Parade of Masks, Dancing and Live entertainment by a national act.
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